Danny Coyne knows he has a new contract to win but nothing to prove over his fitness after an 18-month injury nightmare that could have ended his Wales international career.

The 33-year-old Burnley stopper could well step out at Croke Park on Saturday against the Republic of Ireland for a Euro 2008 qualifier, the sort of big occasion many felt had passed him by.

Coyne is battling it out with Sunderland's Darren Ward for the number one jersey in Dublin after finally overcoming a serious knee injury. Coyne, who has managed just 12 caps in 11 years in the Wales squad, believed he had finally become first choice until a shocking knee injury in October 2005 sidelined him for over a year.

Wales boss John Toshack waited patiently for Coyne to recover, and he finally made his comeback for his country against Northern Ireland in Belfast last month.

The injury, shattered medial and cruciate ligaments, has eaten away at the final two seasons of his Turf Moor contract, and his deal runs out in the summer with, so far, no talks over a new deal.

But Coyne is only concerned with helping Burnley avoid relegation and grasping his chance with Wales again.

He said: 'I have been fully fit for a couple of months, the knee feels great and I can't wait for these Wales matches.

'Everyone is looking to establish themselves, I must play as well as I can.'